The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 is underway!
After a competitive group stage featuring the largest field of nations in tournament history, 32 teams have booked a spot in the knockout round. After finishing at the top of Group D, the United States shifts its focus to their first elimination match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1st.
How it Works
In the 48-team group stage, every qualified country was placed into a four-team group, and facing each group opponent once. Three points were awarded for a win and one for a draw.
The two teams with the most points in each group advanced to the Round of 32 running from June 28th to July 3rd. The eight best third-placed sides also continued on to the knockouts.Â
Knockout Round Match Format
- Single-elimination: Each match produces a winner; the loser is eliminated
- Extra time: If a match is tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves) is played
- Penalty shootout: If still tied after extra time, a penalty shootout determines the winner
United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | July 1st, 8:00 pm ET, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
After finishing at the top of Group D and punching their ticket to the knockout stage, the United States will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1st at 8:00 p.m. in San Francisco Stadium.
From here on out, it's win or go home, and a spot in the Round of 16 is on the line. A victory for the Stars and Stripes against Bosnia and Herzegovina means they will play the winner of Belgium vs Senegal.
The United States enters the Round of 32 with plenty of momentum after an impressive group stage campaign, highlighted by a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay in its tournament opener. Striker Folarin Balogun continues to be a strong offensive threat for the USMNT, scoring a brace, while full-back Sergiño Dest continues to create problems for opposing defenses. Often dropping deep into the back line, his ability to cut and deliver crosses consistently poses issues for his opponents making him one of the USMNT's most dangerous playmakers.
While Philadelphia Union's pair of active players on World Cup squads are no longer competing in the tournament, fans still have multiple Philly-connected faces to root for as the United States continues its World Cup campaign.
The United States ended groups stage play with a loss against Turkiye, but not without bright moments from Philadelphia Union's own former Homegrowns Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, and Brenden Aaronson who eached featured in the Starting XI.
Trusty, a Media, Pennsylvania native, opened scoring for the Stars and Stripes with the second-fastest goal in U.S. men's World Cup history.
As for their upcoming opponent, Bosnia and Herezgovina are one of the younger teams in this year’s competition, but with group stage momentum and multiple key players, they're a formidable foe for the host nation.Â
18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic became the eighth-youngest scorer in World Cup history, assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina in their 3-1 victory over Qatar. He is joined by center-back Sead Kolašinac and veteran striker Edin Džeko, the nation's all-time leading scorer with 72 goals in 146 international appearances since making his debut in 2007.
Key Matches
 Germany vs Paraguay | June 29th, 4:30 pm ET, Boston Stadium, 10:30 am ET
The outcome of this matchup will directly decide who will compete in the Rounnd of 16 in Philadelphia on Independence Day. The winner of this match will face either France or Sweden, creating the potential a blockbuster Germany vs France showdown, which could be one of the biggest spectacles of the entire tournament. Should Germany defeat Paraguay, it would reinforce their status as a tournament favorite after emerging from the group stage on top despite an upset loss to Ecuador.Â
A win for Paraguay against Germany would be a historic moment as well, as it would mark their first World Cup Round of 16 appearance since 2010.Â
Whether it be the favored icons of this year’s tournament, or an unforgettable underdog story, this match has major implications, setting the stage for a memorable matchup during America's 250th celebration in the country's birthplace.
 France vs Sweden | June 30th, 5:00 pm ET, New York New Jersey Stadium
If France advances after this match, it would solidify Les Bleus as a favored competitor after making it out of the group stage undefeated with three wins and 10 goals scored. With a win, they could anticipate the possibility of facing Germany in a high-stakes battle in the City of Brotherly Love.Â
If Sweden pulls off the upset, they would eliminate one of the World Cup’s biggest contenders and enter the conversation as a tournament dark horse.
Belgium vs Senegal |Â July 1st, 4:00 pm ET, Seattle Field
Topping Group G after a large 5-1 victory over New Zealand, a victory would set up an interesting Round of 16 competition if the United States were to also advance.
Led by veterans Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois, The Red Devils have a chance to see its golden generation compete in one of the most important knockout stage matches.
Senegal winning this game would make one of the biggest statements the tournament. Qualifying as one of the best third-place teams, The Lions of Teranga have the chance to dominate as one of Africa’s best teams. Whoever makes it out on top in this battle will face the United States, who have enjoyed a momentous start to their FIFA World Cup on home soil.
Other Important Upcoming Matches
June 29th | Brazil vs Japan, Houston Stadium, 1:00 pm ET
June 29th | Netherlands vs Morocco, Estadio Monterrey, 9:00 pm ET
June 30th | Ivory Coast vs Norway, Dallas Stadium, 1:00 pm ET
June 30th | Mexico vs Ecuador, Mexico City Stadium, 9:00 pm ET
July 1st | England vs Congo DR, Atlanta Stadium, 12:00 pm ET
July 2nd | Argentina vs Cabo Verde, Miami Stadium, 3:00 pm ET
July 2nd | Switzerland vs Algeria, BC Place Vancouver, 11:00 pm ET
July 2nd | Portugal vs Croatia, Toronto Stadium, 7:00 pm ET
July 3rd | Australia vs Egypt, Dallas Stadium, 2:00 pm ET
July 3rd | Colombia vs Ghana, Kansas City Stadium, 9:30 pm ET
July 4th | Canada vs M75 winner, Houston Stadium, 1:00 pm ET
As the birthplace of the nation, Philadelphia is set to host its final pair of group stage matches before welcoming a Round of 16 showdown on the United States' 250th birthday. These games will have a crucial impact on the map of later matches in the tournament. Stay tuned as we recap these thrilling knockout-stage matchups and continue following Philadelphia's connections throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup!
